*Starred Review* Larson (Chiggers, 2008) won an Eisner Award for Special Recognition in 2007 and is establishing an oeuvre of thoughtful, girl-centric graphic novels that often feature touches of unobtrusive fantasy, lending a dreamy quality that helps characterize her distinctive storytelling style. Mercury tells two tales: one of Josey, who lives in a small Canadian town in 1859; and the other of her descendant, Tara, who has returned to the same town in 2009, a year after her house burned to the ground. Tenth-grader Tara’s burgeoning relationships and her difficulty reacclimating to her old school will be more identifiable than Josey’s forbidden courtship with itinerant prospector Asa, but the use of two time lines delineates the different eras’ outlooks on family and romance, which brings some immutable human truths into high relief. The gentle dose of magic realism doesn’t feel incongruous and underscores the powerful ways in which past touches present. The insights unfold leisurely, but patient readers will find themselves deeply invested. Comparisons to Craig Thompson’s Blankets (2003) wouldn’t be inappropriate, but Larson continues to perfect her own unique style and offers something the graphic format is sadly short on: a coming-of-age story for girls. Grades 9-12. –Jesse Karp –This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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I like the Booklist review because of its focus on the coming-of-age story for girls. I’d say I’m pretty much on board with both reviews here.

Strengths: This will have a broad appeal for many readers. For obvious reasons, it will probably speak to girls more. However, the appeal of the graphic novel will pull in other groups as well. Graphic novels are excellent alternatives for those who may struggle with reading. Larson’s illustrations are straightforward and the dialogue easy to follow:

A page from "Mercury," courtesy of ComicBookResources.com

Tara is a likable heroine, but not perfect, and many readers will identify with her social awkwardness. As the narrative alternates between the past and the present, it’s easy to follow, not just by the plot changes. Larson emphasizes through format and the use of black backgrounds on the pages of the story in the past. It’s another helpful visual cue for a struggling reader.

A page from the past. Courtesy of ComicBookResources.com.

Overall, it’s a fast, interesting read.

Potential Flaws: I didn’t have too many complaints about this one. The ending is a little abrupt. Without giving spoilers, it’s hard to verbalize why I feel this way. There are also details about Tara from before the beginning of the narrative that I wanted, as well as details about Josey’s life afterward. I suppose it’s the author’s choice what to add and what to lose, but as a reader, I was left yearning for more detail.

My Rating:

A fast-paced, unique tale. Applause to the author for featuring a girl’s coming-of-age tale in a graphic novel. Excellent use of the alternating past/present narrative.